Pentecost highlights Jesus’ impact on people’s sense of public place. Hierarchs – Roman officials and soldiers, high priests and Pharisees – forcibly controlled the place commoners were allowed to occupy in public life, if any. Hierarchs thus limited people’s ability to effect change. At Pentecost different people came together as one in public space. People … Continue reading “Together”
Category: Creative Healing Power
Passing On
Jesus was always passing on to others who he was and what he knew. It is true in the testimony of his Ascension relayed this Sunday. He was always passing on his welcoming and creative Presence so that people felt such Presence within them. He was always passing on what he knew of the Way … Continue reading “Passing On”
Seeing Christ
How did Thomas and the other disciples get along during this past week? Last week Jesus pulls quite the surprise by appearing to various disciples – except Thomas. Those who saw Jesus must have been experiencing a gamut of feelings; delight, stunned, perplexity, eager, awed, calm, … They shared all that they could of their … Continue reading “Seeing Christ”
Surprise
Not many people know Jesus kept a diary. Someone showed me an excerpt the other day. Friday: Tough day on the job, been wondering if I’m in the right line of work. Saturday: Feeling under the weather, stayed in. Sunday: Got out and visited with some friends today. They seemed surprised to see me. Surprised? … Continue reading “Surprise”
From Death Unto Life
The power described of Jesus of Nazareth in the Gospel is astounding. So astounding it seems unbelievable. It is astounding enough that Jesus heals people’s ailing bodies. How is it to be believed, as today’s Gospel relates, that Jesus brings people forth into life after they have died? Can it be believed from our own … Continue reading “From Death Unto Life”
Transfiguration
While in a small group as part of a Lenten spirituality program a participant asked, “Who is God for you?” Most people began to answer the question by saying, “I think that God is …” Thinking about God, thinking about the image we have of God, is very different than sharing our experience of God. … Continue reading “Transfiguration”
How Unbelievable is Our Belief?
The risks of giving birth are almost unbelievable. So many things have to go just right in the life of the growing baby and in the life of the mother. In the case of Mary of Nazareth she begins her birthing saga as an unwed mother. Joseph is initially a less than certain partner in … Continue reading “How Unbelievable is Our Belief?”
Fertility
Fertility is one meaning of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is recognized in the sash tied across Mary’s waist indicating she is pregnant. Mary’s feast fits well as a celebration during the Advent season when we are all awaiting new life. The feast celebrates the pregnant Mary’s fruitful appearance to a poor … Continue reading “Fertility”
Conception
Conception, a natural consideration in this season awaiting a baby’s birth, is not considered this Sunday. It is displaced by a warning from John the Baptist as the Gospel reading. Quite unfortunate, as today, December 8th, is a specific day celebrating conception. It is Mary’s Immaculate Conception. The festive celebration of Mary’s conception happens in … Continue reading “Conception”
Giving Birth To Christ
Advent is a time of pregnancy in which we are patiently waiting with a pregnant Mary each year. As she prepared to give birth to Jesus so we too prepare to give birth to the Christ child in our world. Meister Eckhart, a 14th century mystic, wrote: “What good is it if this eternal birth … Continue reading “Giving Birth To Christ”